Policeman keeps job despite harassment findings

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 06:19 · Archive

A Thames Valley police constable who made sexual comments to a female colleague and touched her without consent has been allowed to remain in the force.

Thames Valley police constable Cameron Challis can keep his job after a misconduct panel in Kidlington concluded he had engaged in sustained unwanted conduct towards a female colleague known as PC Matthews. The pair had previously been on two dates, but the woman made clear she did not want a romantic relationship.

Despite this, Challis continued to make sexualised comments and touch her without consent during work social events. His remarks included 'Me and you can still happen', 'We would have a good time together', and 'Let's have sex, do you want to as I think we should'. On one occasion he told her 'I want to know what you taste like'. He also repeatedly put his arms around her shoulders and waist, pulled her towards him by the hand, and picked her up on a dance floor.

On 6 January 2024, Challis admitted repeatedly placing his hands on PC Matthews' throat without her consent. The panel reviewed CCTV footage from a cocktail club and heard evidence from serving and former officers. Panel members found PC Matthews to be honest, credible and reliable, and concluded Challis's behaviour was 'unwanted, sexually inappropriate, degrading and disrespectful'.

How it is being reported

• Policeman who told woman 'I want to know what you taste like' can keep jobA policeman who told a female colleague "I want to know what you taste like" can keep his job, a misconduct panel has concluded.Oxfordshire Guardian · 20 Oct, 05:00
• Policeman who told woman 'I want to know what you taste like' can keep jobA policeman who told a female colleague "I want to know what you taste like" can keep his job, a misconduct panel has concluded.Oxford Mail · 20 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Cameron Challis · PC Matthews · Thames Valley Police · Kidlington

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